While iPhones do not have a native feature called "Secure Folder" like some other mobile operating systems, users can effectively hide apps from view using folders and other organization methods. The primary way to reduce app visibility is by grouping them into folders and then managing those folders on your Home Screen pages.
It's important to note that iPhones do not come with a built-in feature specifically called "Secure Folder" that provides encrypted storage or a separate secure environment for apps like some Android devices do. The term "hiding" apps on an iPhone typically refers to making them less visible on the Home Screen for privacy or organization purposes.
How to Hide Apps on iPhone Using Folders
One of the most common and effective ways to hide apps on your iPhone is by placing them inside folders. This method is straightforward and helps declutter your Home Screen.
Based on common methods for organizing iPhone apps:
Step-by-Step Guide to Hiding Apps in Folders
- Create a New Folder:
- Tap and hold down on an app icon on your Home Screen.
- Keep holding and drag this app icon on top of another app icon you want to group it with.
- Release your finger. A new folder will be created containing both apps. iOS will suggest a folder name based on the apps' categories, but you can tap the name to rename it.
- Add Apps to the Folder:
- Now, drag the app (or apps) that you want to hide into the folder you just created.
- If you want to hide more than one app, drag any others into the folder too.
- Exit the Folder:
- Once all desired apps are inside, tap outside the folder area or tap "Done" (if available) to close the folder view.
The apps are now hidden within the folder icon on your Home Screen page.
What This Achieves
By placing apps inside a folder, they no longer appear as individual icons scattered across your Home Screen pages. They are consolidated into a single folder icon, making them less immediately visible and giving the appearance of being "hidden."
Further Steps for Hiding Folders/Apps
After placing apps in a folder, you can take additional steps to make the folder and the apps within it even less prominent:
- Move the Folder to a Less-Used Page: Drag the folder icon to a Home Screen page you rarely swipe to.
- Move the Folder Off the Home Screen: Starting with iOS 14, you can drag the folder icon from the Home Screen to the App Library (swipe left past your last Home Screen page). This removes the folder icon from your Home Screen view entirely. The apps remain accessible via the App Library or Search.
Other Methods for Hiding Apps on iPhone
Beyond using folders, here are a couple of other ways to manage app visibility:
- Remove from Home Screen: You can remove individual app icons or entire pages of apps from your Home Screen without deleting the apps themselves. Tap and hold an app icon, select "Remove App," then choose "Remove from Home Screen" (instead of "Delete App"). The app will only appear in your App Library.
- Restrict App Visibility (Using Screen Time): For more granular control, you can use Screen Time settings (Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps or Content Restrictions) to hide certain built-in apps or restrict third-party apps based on age ratings. This is less about simple visual hiding and more about preventing access.
Hiding Apps on iPhone: A Quick Overview
Here's a comparison of the main methods:
| Method | How it Works | Visibility Impact | Accessibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Using Folders | Group apps into a single icon on Home Screen. | Apps are hidden within folder. | Tap folder to open; use Search/App Library. |
| Remove from Home Screen | Remove app icon from Home Screen pages. | Icon removed from Home Screen. | Use App Library or Search to find and open. |
| Screen Time (Restrictions) | Hide built-in apps or restrict 3rd party apps. | App may be completely hidden. | Only accessible by changing Screen Time settings. |
While iPhones don't have a dedicated "Secure Folder," combining these methods allows you to significantly reduce the visibility of apps on your device.
